Invisalign and Clear Aligner Orthodontics in Ankara

Clear aligner treatment is an orthodontic method that moves the teeth with a series of thin, clear, custom-made plastic aligners. Each aligner moves the teeth one small step as set out in the digital treatment plan; the aligners are changed in sequence at set intervals. Invisalign is one of the registered brand names for this method.

Brackets are bonded to the teeth and apply force with a wire; they stay fixed in the mouth throughout treatment. Clear aligners are removable; they come out for eating and brushing. Aligners are less noticeable and make oral hygiene easier, but to be effective they must be worn for most of the day. Which method suits you is decided at the examination, based on the type of problem and your expectations.

For a detailed comparison, see the Clear aligners or braces? page.

It can be used for many alignment problems such as crowding, gaps between teeth, and deep, open and crossbites. There are different protocols for children in the mixed dentition, for teenagers and for adults. Marked skeletal jaw discrepancies may need additional methods or surgical planning. Suitability is assessed with an examination, X-rays and a digital scan.

The duration depends on the type and severity of the problem. Mild crowding may be corrected within a few months, while comprehensive cases usually take 12–24 months. Wearing the aligners for the recommended time is the most important factor in keeping to the expected duration. Your estimated duration is shared once the digital treatment plan has been prepared.

Wearing them 20–22 hours a day is usually recommended. The aligners come out only for eating, for drinking anything other than water, and for brushing. Wearing them for less time can delay the teeth reaching their planned position and make it harder for the next aligner to fit.

When you switch to a new aligner, it is normal to feel pressure or tenderness in the teeth for the first 1–3 days; it shows the teeth are moving. This usually eases by itself. If a sharp edge irritates your tongue or cheek, or the pain lasts more than a few days, let the clinic know.

Orthodontic societies recommend that most children are assessed by an orthodontist at around age 7. At this age the first permanent molars and incisors are coming through, so the bite and jaw development can be assessed. Not every child needs treatment; some are only monitored.

The fee varies from person to person depending on factors such as the extent of the problem, treatment length, the number of aligners needed, additional procedures and retention after treatment. For this reason, fee information is given in writing after the examination and treatment planning. We explain the factors that determine the fee on this page.

Teeth tend to move back towards their old positions, especially in the first months after treatment. That is why a retainer is used after treatment. Removable retainers are usually recommended full-time for a while and then mostly at night; in some cases a thin fixed wire is bonded behind the teeth. Details: Retention.